Reasons Why You Should Visit Lesbos, Greece

In the capital Mytilini, the Theofilos Museum is a treasure trove of one artist’s legacy – with more than 80 paintings inspired by folk art, history and mythology. It was founded by Mytilenian publisher and art critic Stratis Eleftheriades, aka Teriade, whose influence on Greek art led to his own museum: the Teriade Library-Museum in Varia. See works from his vast archives as well as notable 20th-century works by giants Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

With deep, clear waters, Lesbos has long drawn scuba divers. Lesvos Scuba Centre at Charmida Beach has 18 years of experience and a range of PADI-certified programmes. You can try a beginners’ course in the afternoon, book a three-day full certification, or choose one of the advanced open-water courses. If you’re really keen they offer excursions to more than 30 dive sites – from shipwrecks and caves to reef exploration trips.

Spring and autumn lure twitchers to witness migrating birds en route to Africa. The Kalloni Gulf wetlands rank among the best places to spot many of the 300 native and transitory species – among them are curlew, wood sandpiper, Kentish plover and citrine wagtail. Indigenous types include the red-breasted nuthatch – often found nesting in pine trees in early spring. For expert information, contact Eleni Galinou, who specialises in birdwatching and photography tours.

At Sigri on the west coast, the Natural History Museum sets out the island’s unique geological history, along with fossils and insights into the origins of the petrified forest. The Petrified Forest Parks contain the fossilised remains of rare trees formed by volcanic activity, more than 20 million years ago. Along marked trails, discover the remains of one of only two petrified forests in the world. Top tip: do the museum first to get a feel for the sights before heading to the parks.

Lesbos is an Eden for hiking and cycling. Coastal trails and inland hikes cover unforgettable terrain – with views of over-dense forests down to a dramatic coast. Well-maintained circular and point-to-point hikes are mapped by Lesvos Trails, ranging from short routes through olive groves around Plomari town to Mount Lepeymnosis and its rugged terrain. For experienced mountain cyclists, the 50km (31mi) route from Erissos along the Lava Trail will thrill. Get your bike rental from Molyvos Bikes.

To pretty much guarantee your own private place in paradise, look no further than Vatera beach. At 7km (4.3mi) in length, this pebble-and-sand strand simply cannot become crowded – even in the peak weeks of August. The main stretch can be found at the village of Vartera – with a sprinkling of tavernas in which to while away the hours over beers. This unravels outwards to more peaceful spots, further along, the beautiful coastline. With clear shallow waters, it’s perfect for families.

On Lesbos – with its quiet villages and tree-lined squares – nothing beats idling in a cafe for slowing down and revelling in island traditions. Your coffee will be made in – and poured from – a long-handled briki pot and will be irresistible: thick and potent and sweetened with gum from mastic trees, which imparts the unique local flavour. For gentle immersion into the island’s rich history, visit the beautifully preserved Kafeneion O Ermis – a meeting place in Mytilini since the 1800s.

It’s a big island, which explains the variety of architectural styles: from Mytilini’s neoclassical mansions to mountain villages dominated by greystone houses and coastal settlements of pastel homes with terracotta roofs. Don’t miss the sahnisia-style dwellings with their protruding wooden windows. For Byzantine currents, visit the 13th-century Castle of Molyvos – or Mithimna – looming above the village in gothic splendour. The views out are idyllic at sunset.

With more than 20 distilleries, Lesvos is the home of ouzo. Distinctly aniseedy, the zero-waste byproduct of winemaking blends ingenuity with tradition. Try a tot in any traditional taverna – best with local mezes, such as sardeles pastes (fresh raw sardine) or gouna (sun-dried spiced mackerel). For an insight into the process, visit the Museum of Ouzo in Plomari: a taste experience at the distillery of Isidoros Arvanitis – one of the island’s largest, established in 1894.